After a long day, the last thing anyone wants is to stress over what’s for dinner. Finding the time and energy to cook can feel impossible, especially on busy nights. Here are 17 weeknight dinners you can’t mess up, no matter how hectic life gets. These simple recipes are easy to follow and sure to please the whole family.
Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
This one-pot beef and rice casserole is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. Filled with cheesy goodness and fluffy rice, it offers a hearty meal that feeds a crowd while keeping cleanup to a minimum. It’s a simple dinner that satisfies everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Shredded BBQ chicken made in an Instant Pot is both easy and flexible for busy nights. It works well on salads, sandwiches, or mac and cheese, providing a tasty addition to many meals. This recipe simplifies dinner without losing any flavor.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Lasagna Roll Ups
Lasagna roll-ups take the hassle out of traditional lasagna, making them perfect for weeknight dinners. These bite-sized portions are filled with cheesy goodness and are surprisingly simple to prepare. They guarantee a satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Lasagna Roll Ups
Crockpot Carnitas
Making carnitas in a slow cooker makes taco night a breeze. With minimal prep work, this recipe yields tender and flavorful meat that is perfect for tacos. It’s a hassle-free option that ensures delicious dinners without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Carnitas
Creamy Pea Pasta
Creamy pea pasta is a quick and satisfying meal that is easy to whip up on busy evenings. Packed with protein and veggies, it offers a well-rounded dish that’s ready in no time. This recipe ensures dinner can be both simple and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken
Tomato lime chicken cooked in a slow cooker is a fantastic choice for a low-stress dinner. Simply toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker and come home to a flavorful meal that took minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy days when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken
Pesto Salmon
Pesto salmon is a quick dinner option that feels special without requiring much time. The fresh pesto adds a bright flavor to the salmon, making it both delicious and healthy. This recipe provides a tasty meal that is easy to prepare on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
Semi-homemade chicken empanadas are an impressive yet simple dinner option. By using rotisserie chicken and a store-bought crust, preparation becomes fast and easy. These empanadas are perfect for a quick meal that still feels special.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
Pulled Pork
Pulled pork made in an Instant Pot is both tender and flavorful, making it a great dinner choice with minimal effort. It’s versatile enough for sandwiches, tacos, or nachos, ensuring that everyone finds something they love. Dinner becomes a breeze with this recipe.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork
Weeknight Carrot Chicken Soup
Carrot chicken soup is a comforting option that comes together quickly for busy evenings. With rich flavors and satisfying ingredients, it’s a practical choice for a hearty dinner. This recipe is an easy way to enjoy a warm meal without a lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Carrot Chicken Soup
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Stuffed shells filled with cheese are an easy-to-make meal that’s always a hit. There’s no complicated layering involved; just fill, bake, and enjoy. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that brings comfort without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Chicken tortellini soup is a cozy meal that’s simple to prepare for a quick dinner. Using leftover rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even faster while delivering a comforting dish. It’s a great option for busy nights when a filling meal is needed.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Tuna and tomato pasta is an easy, no-fuss dinner that’s ready in about 25 minutes. This light and refreshing dish makes weeknight meals simple and quick, allowing even kids to help in the kitchen. It’s a perfect choice for busy nights when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
These chicken enchiladas made with rotisserie chicken are a festive twist on weeknight meals. Using store-bought sauce makes preparation easy, allowing for dinner on the table in no time. This recipe turns ordinary nights into something special with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
Slow cooker garlic roast pork is a convenient way to prepare a juicy meal. Just add the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it do the work, making dinner easy and delicious. This recipe ensures a flavorful dinner that’s perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
Crockpot Chili
Crockpot chili is a hearty dish that requires minimal hands-on time. Loaded with rich flavors and protein, it’s a satisfying meal that hits the spot. This recipe is ideal for busy days when comfort food is a must.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili
Poached Orange Salmon
Poached orange salmon is a light and healthy dinner option that comes together quickly. With just a few ingredients, this simple recipe offers a nutritious meal that’s packed with flavor. It’s a great choice when time is limited and deliciousness is key.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon